From Nervous Beginnings to a Dream Realised: Faty Ahmed's Inspiring Journey

Congratulations are in order for Faty a 41-year-old mother of four who, until recently, had never had any work experience. Her life was dedicated to raising her children, but she always harboured a dream of becoming a teaching assistant to help educate children, just as she did with her own.

In October 2024, Faty was referred to Business 2 Business on the Restart Programme. Initially, she was very nervous, with little to no confidence due to her limited English skills and lack of work experience. Despite these challenges, Faty's determination to achieve her dream shone through.

A month into the programme, a wonderful opportunity arose for Faty to volunteer at John Storer House as a support worker for young adults and the elderly. She embraced this role with enthusiasm, finding joy and fulfilment in her work. Throughout this time, Faty continued to visit B2B regularly, seeking extra support to boost her confidence and improve her job applications.

Even when her circumstances changed and she was no longer required to attend the programme, Faty remained committed to bettering her communication skills and building her confidence. Her dedication paid off in January 2025 when she secured an interview for a volunteering position as a teaching assistant at a primary school, with the potential to become a permanent employee.

Before her interview, Faty came in for a support session where we provided tips, advice, and most importantly, encouragement to help her feel confident. A week later, she returned to the office beaming with joy. The interview had gone perfectly, and she had secured the role!

Over the past three months, Faty's English communication skills have improved significantly, and her confidence has soared. She now radiates with a sense of purpose and fulfilment, having achieved her dream of working in education.

Faty's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, support, and the belief that it's never too late to pursue your dreams. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive in her new role.